An example of a personal job search website

We all know that there are more options than just applying online to gain attention from target companies. Twitter has become one of the most talked about resources, which sits right up at the top of the list with Linkedin. Some people resort to mailing in their applications & resumes along with their electronic submissions. Some folks create Facebook advertisements targeting specific companies they’d like to work for. Some get creative with Google AdWords.

Your job search method these days can now almost become a reason for companies to hire you. When your search is innovative and reflects the position or industry you target, it can certainly put you ahead of other candidates who simply apply online. Your innovative tactics may also push you ahead of a candidate that has more experience than you. It’s your ideas that the company wants to hire. If your ideas already blow the company away before an interview, think about what that does for you.

One job search method that should grow in popularity is personal job search websites. Websites like these will most likely fit best for social media, marketing, and PR job seekers, but other professions can find use for them. They aren’t too difficult to create, and there are web developers around who will work with you on a price.

I wanted to quickly show off and review a friends personal job search website. She was working in Florida in a job that just wasn’t suiting her, and her goal was to move to NYC and work in a social media position. It worked. She landed a job as Social Media Manager with MTV News.

What does Jenny do right?

Home Page – I wanted to put in a picture of the home page above. She not only makes her goal very clear, but she adds in a few fun links to show real proof of who she is. She not only says this is what she wants and who she is, but proves it through what she’s done already in social media. While what I’ve stated already is a must, she also adds in a nice cartoony image of herself in NYC. It’s not a must, but it’s a wonderful touch.

The last thing I’ll talk about on the home page is how Jenny provides a course of action to visitors. See how she clearly states to folks that if interested they should check out the links at the bottom. Nicely done.

Bio/About Me Page – I thought that what she did in this section was very creative. She answered her bio like it was a phone screen, covering basic questions like, What is your social media philosophy?, Why NYC?, and What is your ideal company to work for? Perfect for a personal job search website.

My Work/Resume Page – Not only does Jenny leave a more open format style review of her experience, but she includes a link to her online resume.

Ideas – Companies hire us mostly for our ideas. Jenny leaves some brain wisdom on how she’d handle a few situations. This gives a potential employer a clear view into how she thinks and what she can add to their organization.

If you’re going to take a stab at a personal job search website, make sure you have clear goals and ideas before jumping right in. Know what position you target, the kind of company you’d like to work for, and know the value you can bring to those organizations. It’s not something that should be put together in a couple days, but it should be a well thought out process, and it needs to be done correctly.

I think that job search websites are the way that employers are going to start hiring in the future. Most huge companies make you apply online at their website now. Example you can not turn in a resume or fill out an application to get hired on a Frito-Lay inc. You have to apply online at their website.

First of all by the time things are posted on job boards they are obsolete. I know this is true after 12 years. Jenny had a clear defined professional message in her area of expertise. Her site was professionally done by her, or by someone, it really doesn't matter because she had the werewithall to put herself out there. She is obviously an expert because she got the message across brilliantly probably marketed herself to 1000 pr people, hr people etc., she got the job done and self promoted. Exactly what stands out in a persons mind who is hiring.

Rich,
Your review of Jenny's strategy is great. I would like to try this for my writing career but the company I work for is, well, not a traditional company. I designed the website for a term paper company and I wondering if you think this is ok to use it in a resume.
Thanks for your ear/eyes!

Rich,
I really love this post! I've heard about these job search sites, but it is helpful to view one that offers savvy design and content. And, it clearly paid off for her! Thanks for sharing this fantastic idea with the masses. ;) Best, Stacy

Good job search site, certainly stands out and has all the right information on there. I would put my photo on the site as well, the pic up there is cool but some people prefer to see the actual person straight away. Good luck with the job hunt Jenny!

Hi Jorgen - great suggestion and thanks for the comment. The only reason I think she might NOT have put up a picture was because she was afraid her current company might see and figure out it was her looking for a new job. You do make a great suggestion, and I think each situation will call for a different answer to your suggestion.
Thanks again for the comment on this!

Meet Rich DeMatteo

Rich DeMatteo, AKA Corn on the Job, is a globally recognized Career Expert, Gen Y Career Coach, and Social Media Marketer. Rich has spent time in Agency and Corporate Recruiting, and has a Masters in Human Resources from Villanova University. Along with being featured on Monster.com and Reader's Digest, he was also named one of the world's Top 100 Most Desirable Mentors.